GUNS Magazine July 2012 Digital Edition - Page 44

HuNTING 21st Century RIFLE Mike Cumpston Photos: Robbie Barrkman y now, it is abundantly clear AR-based rifles in milspec Carbine trim or tricked out as varmint rifles or, chambered for uppowered civilian cartridges, are outstanding field rifles both for general utility and as primary hunting tools. By and large, regardless of intended use, the cosmetics of these rifles strongly reflect their military origins. The Ambush Arms Carbine, introduced in 2011, establishes a paradigm shift in esthetics much like the earlier service rifles that morphed into the 19th and 20th century hunting/sporting standbys. B Ambush Arms is the civilian/sporting branch of the very tactical Daniel Defense, a well-established supplier of military-pattern small arms, parts and accessories. The parent company is strongly identified with militarytype arms and caters to a weapons-oriented demographic. Ambush Arms resides at the same physical address and shares the manufacturing facilities however it maintains a separate website and channels of contact. The desire to maintain a separate identity geared toward the hunter and outdoorsman is evident in key features of the Ambush product and in the promotional material. The 6.8 Ambush Carbine is presented as a lightweight dedicated hunting arm in an effective caliber, modular in construction to allow you to adjust it to your preferences. These features include an adjustable Magpul stock No forward assist is present on the Ambush, leaving the receiver clean and lean (below). A dust cover is provided and the charging handle remains the same as a conventional AR. 44 W W W. G U N S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U LY 2 0 1 2